Single-use long-life faucet-mounted water filtration devices

ABSTRACT

Single-use long-life faucet mounted water filtration devices are disclosed. A bathroom water filtration device having two outlets for filtered water is disclosed. Additionally, a fountain head is included for use in the bathroom water filtration device. The water filtration device is of unibody construction formed by ultrasonically welding certain parts thereof together. Since the devices disclosed are disposable, no filter replacement or other maintenance is performed. A gate, magnet, sensor and electronics provide an indication of filter performance enabling disposal of the water filtration device and installation of a new device. A kitchen water filtration device is larger than the bathroom device. Both the kitchen and bathroom water filtration devices are small and are mounted behind the faucet connection so as to facilitate full utilization of the sink or wash basin.

This patent application claims priority of provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/438,457 filed Jan. 8, 2003 and provisionalpatent application No. 60/409,042 filed Sep. 9, 2002.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The field of the invention is water filtration devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The demand for pure water continues to grow rapidly due to increasingconcerns about the quality and safety of tap water, the popularity ofwater as a beverage (instead of soda and alcohol) and the growingawareness that most people do not drink enough water as prescribed bythe medical community.

Water is supplied from municipal water systems (many of which areaging), private water systems and wells in the United States.Frequently, this water has poor taste, particulates, unwanted odors andin many cases contaminants contained in it. Municipal water is commonlytreated with chlorine to eliminate bacterial contaminants. Chlorine addswhat most people feel is an unpleasant taste and odor. Water conditionsvary greatly according to the geographic area and therefore travelersmay also experience these problems as they visit hotel and motel roomsaround the country. It is desirous to remove bad tastes, odors, sedimentand contaminants before ingesting the water or using it for cookingfood.

Water treatment devices of many varieties have proven effective inaccomplishing water purification. Generally these devices work throughchemical and mechanical actions that remove contaminants and impuritiesfrom water. These filters have a finite life. Sediment can eventuallyclog a filter and chemical reactions realized through adsorption (carbonmedia) and ion exchange (cation resin) have a limited capacity.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,425 to Yonezawa et al. discloses a multi-way valveand water purifier. The multi-way valve is disclosed as a small-sizedone which may be used with a small-sized water purifier. The devicedisclosed in the '425 patent is a faucet mounted filter and it isdesigned for removing and exchanging valve bodies.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,286 to Heiligman and United States Pat. No. Re.35667 to Heiligman disclose a vertical filter enclosed in a housing andthe housing is supported by a duct. The vertical filter may bepermanently secured to the filter by hot melt adhesive which renders thefilter non-removable. Further, the vertical filter may be pre-wrappedwith a porous paper pre-filter. The device disclosed in the '286 patentis a faucet mounted filter. If the filter is glued to the filter housingthe filter housing must be removed and discarded together with thefilter. A new filter housing (and filter) must then be mounted onto theduct of the diverter valve each time the filter housing is replaced.This involves time consuming labor in the case of each embodimentdisclosed in the '286 patent. In one embodiment of the '286 patent, thefilter housing is secured by a retaining clip. In another embodimentdisclosed in the '286 patent, the male duct of the filter housing ispress-fit into an opening in the diverter valve. Alternatively, the maleduct of the filter housing may be affixed to the diverter valve by aU-clip, cotter pin or the like. The filter housing as disclosed in the'286 patent is disclosed as residing vertically in front of the faucet.In short, it is not a simple matter to change the filter housing of thedevice disclosed in the '286 patent.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,451 to Hembree et al. discloses a faucet mountedfilter utilizing a replacement filter cartridge. The replacement filtercartridge resides within a larger rotatable housing which channels waterflow either into the filter or through the diverter valve assembly.Hembree et al. also discloses a very complicated flow totalizationmechanism which includes porting water to a turbine driven mechanismprior to filtering thereof

U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,960 B2 to Williamson et al. discloses afaucet-mounted water filtration device whose filter housing includes avalve therein and whose filter housing extends longitudinally rearwardlyfrom the point of attachment to the faucet. The filters in Williamson etal. are replaceable filter cartridges.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,129 B1 to Giordano et al. discloses a rotating amagnetized impeller actuating a reed switch.

In each of the foregoing disclosures, the devices disclosed therein aredesigned for disassembly of some sort as a matter of maintenance of thefiltration device. This requires labor and attendant time. Complex flowtotalization mechanisms such as the one disclosed in Hembree et al. '451present maintenance problems. The need to change the filter and/or thefilter housing and/or the diverter valve all require labor and attendanttime.

In each of the foregoing disclosures, the devices disclosed therein aredesigned for disassembly of some sort as a matter of maintenance of thefiltration device. Filtration devices customarily employ replaceablefilter cartridges of some type. These arrangements require either acoupling arrangement for attaching and detaching a replacement filtercartridge or a large chamber to entirely enclose the replacement filtercartridge. Both approaches require additional components and materialsthat add to the manufactured cost and complexity of the device.Furthermore, each of the foregoing disclosures, by requiring thereplacement of the filter element, cause great inconvenience to the userby having him search for and procure replacement filter elements atconsiderable cost. This arrangement, while lucrative for themanufacturer, is a well documented nuisance for the consumer. Inaddition, most of the devices in the related art, owing to their needfor easy access and maintenance are relatively large and obtrusivepartially blocking the sink basin. Finally, the devices noted above andmost others despite the availability of high capacity filter media arenot designed for long life so as to maximize the frequency with whichusers must purchase replacement filter elements.

It is therefore desirable to have a small faucet-mounted waterfiltration device which is a single-use, long-life water filtrationdevice which includes an indicator of filter performance. By single useit is meant that it is discarded when its performance indicator revealsthat the efficacy of the filter has been diminished. It is alsodesirable to have the filter housing of the water filtration devicemounted behind the connection to the faucet to enable full access to thesink basin beneath the faucet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A single-use faucet-mounted water filtration device is provided. Thedevice is of uni-body construction and has no removable or replaceableparts yet provides long life operation. This arrangement makes thedevice more convenient to use compared with other devices that requirefrequent replacement of filter cartridges. The device is constructedwith a minimum of components making it relatively small in size and lesscostly to manufacture. While compact, the device is able to hold enoughfilter media to allow for long life operation. The life of the waterfiltration device is dependent upon the type of filter media used,sizing and geometry of the filter media, and the sizing and geometry ofwater flow paths. For instance, water filtration devices having a usefullife of 300 gallons or more can be made utilizing the teachings of theinstant invention. Water filtration devices having useful lives smallerthan 300 gallons may also be made utilizing the teachings of the instantinvention. Performance indications as a function of integrated flow areindicated by a light emitting diode.

The main housing of the devices resides beneath the faucet neck andrearward of the water discharge point thus not obstructing the sinkbasin. A single-use device is provided for use in a kitchen sink and adevice is provided for use in a bathroom sink. Unlike devices in therelated art the bathroom embodiment of the single-use faucet filter isscaled to the small size of bathroom sinks and therefore practical foruse in bathrooms. The bathroom filter device allows residential users tohave the benefit of filtered water in close proximity to the bedroomavoiding the inconvenience of going to a kitchen sink for water duringthe night. In addition, because the bathroom device is small anddisposable it may be taken with a traveler and installed in a hotel ormotel room. Further, as travelers readily discern the differencesbetween water and its tastes from one place to another it is highlydesirable that the water filter be portable.

The invention includes a front housing connectable to a water faucet anda filter housing having an inlet and an outlet. An end cap of the filterhousing completes the filter housing. The front housing is non-removablyaffixed to the filter housing and the water filter is non-removablycontained within the water filter housing. The water filter housingincludes a chamber in communication with the water filter. The filter ispreferably activated carbon and includes a filter pre-wrap. Other filtermedia may be used. The outlet resides in the chamber. Alternatively, asecond outlet may also reside in the chamber in the embodiment of thebathroom filter.

The single use water filtration device is small. The embodiment designedfor bathroom use has a filter diameter less than or equal to 1.6 inches.The embodiment designed for kitchen use has a filter diameter less thanor equal to 2.2 inches. The water filtration devices disclosed herein,namely the bathroom and kitchen embodiments, reside substantiallyrearwardly with respect to the water faucet. Other diameters and sizesof the water filtration devices disclosed herein may be made using theteachings hereof.

The filter includes ends thereof each secured to an end cap. The endcaps have peripheral seal portions which seal against the interior ofthe filter housing.

A housing end cap is ultrasonically welded to the filter housing. Otherwelding methods such as microwave, radio frequency (RF), heat andinduction welding may be employed to weld various portions of the waterfiltration devices disclosed herein together.

The second outlet includes a valve seat and a valve interposed in thefilter housing being operable against the valve seat of the secondoutlet for controlling the flow out of the second outlet. The valveincludes a plunger having a foot and an elastomeric ball valve or bootresiding over the foot. The foot of the plunger and the elastomeric ballvalve reside within the housing. A handle is pivotally connected to theend cap of the filter housing and engages the plunger such that when theplunger is depressed the elastomeric ball valve moves inwardly towardthe center of the housing and away from the seat of the second outlet. Afountain head is rotatably secured in the plunger and lever forcommunication with a passageway in the plunger.

A spring is interposed between the plunger and the filter housing urgingthe elastomeric ball valve against the valve seat of the second outlet.

A front housing having first and second passageways is non-removablyaffixed to the filter housing. The front housing includes a directionalvalve residing within the front housing and movable therein fordirecting water into the filter for filtering or through the fronthousing for direct use of the unfiltered water. The filter housingincludes three protrusions which interengage corresponding apertures inthe front housing. The front housing also includes a continuousperiphery welded to the filter housing by one of the aforementionedmethods. The filter housing includes a recess whose shape is thereciprocal of the continuous periphery of the front housing and thecontinuous periphery of the front housing fits snugly within the recessin the filter housing. The end cap of the filter housing is welded tothe filter housing. Three parts or pieces, the filter housing, the fronthousing and the end cap of the filter housing are welded together toprovide a unibody or integral construction.

A gate having a magnet affixed therein resides in the chamber and swingsbetween a first position and a second position. Spacers extending fromthe end cap serve to ensure that the gate remains in alignment withrespect to the earth. These spacers also serve to ensure that the filtersubassembly remains in proper position. The first end cap of the filterincludes a first hinge member and the gate includes a second hingemember which coacts with the first hinge member to enable the gate toswing between first and second positions. A gate position sensor residesin a dry portion of the end cap of the water filter housing and isactuated when the gate swings to the second position and the magnet isin proximity to the sensor.

An electronic package and a light emitting diode reside in the dryportion of the end cap of the water filter housing. The electronicpackage outputs a signal to the light emitting diode which indicates theperformance of the water filtration device. The electronic packageoutputs three discrete signals to the light emitting diode to indicatethree performance levels of the filter.

A method of making a water filtration device is also disclosed andcomprises the steps of: attaching end caps to the filter; inserting thefilter within a filter housing; aligning the filter within the filterhousing; inserting a portion of a gate into corresponding receptacles onone end of one of the end caps previously affixed to the filter;inserting a sensor and electronic package into an open end of a filterhousing end cap; affixing the filter housing end cap to the filterhousing forming a chamber between a closed end of the filter housing endcap and the one end of one of the end caps; and, affixing a fronthousing to the filter housing. The step of attaching end caps to saidfilter may be performed with adhesive. And, the steps of affixing theend cap of the filter housing, affixing the filter housing end cap tothe filter housing and affixing the front housing to the filter housingmay be performed by an ultrasonic welding process or one of the otherwelding processes identified herein.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtrationdevice which is disposable and provides an indication as to when thefilter should be disposed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a waterfiltration device which is small in size and which resides substantiallyrearwardly with respect to the faucet to which it is mounted.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a waterfiltration device which is self-contained and which does not requiremaintenance and, in fact, which cannot be maintained because the partsthereof are non-removably affixed together or non-removably containedtherein.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtrationdevice at reasonable cost which is disposable and which is faucetmounted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtrationdevice which includes a swinging gate having a magnet therein which incombination with a sensor and an electronic package provides a visualindication as to the status or performance of the filter.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtrationdevice which includes two filtered outlets.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtrationdevice which includes a valved outlet with the valve operated by alever.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtrationdevice which includes an outlet having a rotatably mounted fountainhead.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water filtrationdevice which includes a lever actuated fountain.

These and additional objects will become apparent when reference is madeto the Brief Description of the Drawings, Description of the Inventionand Claims which follow hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded assembly view of a first embodiment of the waterfiltration device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the waterfiltration device.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the waterfiltration device with the handle of the valve pulled forward.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the waterfiltration device taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2. In FIG. 3 thefilter is not operating as no water is being directed into it.

FIG. 3A is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the waterfiltration device with the fountain lever depressed and with waterflowing through the filter.

FIG. 3C is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the waterfiltration device similar to FIG. 3 with an O-ring used as an additionalseal for the filter subassembly.

FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the front housing of the first embodiment ofthe water filtration device.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the front housing taken along thelines 4A-4A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the front housing taken along thelines 4B-4B of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4C is a top view of the front housing of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4D is an enlarged rear perspective view of the front housing of thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable collar (faucetadapter) and the lock collar which is secured to the front housing.

FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view of the aerator mounted into the fronthousing.

FIG. 4G is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 4G-4G of FIG. 2with the flow diverter valve inserted in the front housing in a firstposition, bypass position.

FIG. 4H is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 4H-4H of FIG. 2Awith the flow diverter valve inserted in the front housing in a secondposition which directs flow into the filter.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the filter housing of the firstembodiment of the water filtration device.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the filter housing of the first embodiment ofthe water filtration device.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the filter housing taken along thelines 5B-5B of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the filter housing taken along thelines 5C-5C of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the filter housing taken along thelines 5D-5D of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E is a bottom view of the filter housing of the first embodimentof the water filtration device.

FIG. 5F is a left side view, the open end view, of the filter housing ofthe first embodiment of the water filtration device.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the valve and its handle which are usedin both the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the waterfiltration device.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the other side of the valve and itshandle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electronic package (electriccircuit), sensor and light emitting diode used in the first and secondembodiments of the water filtration device.

FIG. 7A is a side view of the electronic package (electric circuit),sensor and light emitting diode package of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the housing end cap.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the other side, i.e., the wetted side,of the housing end cap illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the gate of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 9A-9A of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the left end cap of the filter.

FIG. 10A is cross-sectional view of the left end cap of the filter takenalong the lines 10A-10A of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the plunger used in conjunction withthe lever and elastomeric ball valve.

FIG. 11A is a another perspective view of the plunger used inconjunction with the lever and elastomeric ball valve.

FIG. 11B is a top view of the plunger.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the plunger taken along the lines11C-11C of FIG. 11B.

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 11D-11D of FIG.11B.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the ball valve.

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 12A-12A of FIG.12.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the lever used to operate the plunger of thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the lever taken along the lines13A-13A of FIG. 13.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the underside of the lever of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the fountain head.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 14A-14A of thefountain head of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the waterfiltration device.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the waterfiltration device with the valve handle pulled forward.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the waterfiltration device taken along the lines 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the waterfiltration device similar to FIG. 17 except the gate is shown rotatedclockwise in the flow condition.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the front housing of the secondembodiment.

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 18A-18A of FIG.18.

FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 18B-19B of FIG.18.

FIG. 18C is a top view of the front housing of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18D is a rear perspective view of the front housing of the secondembodiment of the water filtration device.

FIG. 18E is a cross-sectional taken along the lines 18E-18E of FIG. 16with the flow diverter valve inserted in the front housing in a firstposition, bypass position.

FIG. 18F is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 18F-18F of FIG.16A with the flow diverter valve inserted in the front housing in asecond position which directs flow into the filter.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the filter housing of the secondembodiment of the water filtration device.

FIG. 19A is a bottom view of the of the filter housing of the secondembodiment of the water filtration device.

FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 19B-19B of FIG.19A.

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 19C- 19C ofFIG. 19C.

FIG. 19D is a left side view, the open end view, of the filter housingof the second embodiment of the water filtration device.

FIG. 20 is a front side view of the end cap of the housing of the secondembodiment of the water filtration device.

FIG. 20A is a right side view of the end cap of FIG. 20.

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the end cap of FIG. 20.

FIG. 20C is a view of the left side of the end cap of FIG. 20.

FIG. 20D is another perspective view of the end cap.

A better understanding of the drawings will be had when reference ismade to the Description of the Invention and Claims which followhereinbelow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded assembly view of a first embodiment ofthe water filtration device 100, the various components of thesingle-use faucet mounted water filter are shown. Filter 113 isillustrated having a longitudinal bore 129 therethrough. Filter 113 isillustrated without a filter pre-wrap in this view but such a pre-wrap495 is specifically within the scope of this invention and isillustrated in FIGS. 4G and 4H. The filter is preferably a carbon blockbut may be a fiber bundle or granular activated carbon. Further, thecarbon block may include bacteriastic materials, ion exchange resins andzeolites to assist in its filtration activity. End caps 114 and 115 areaffixed to said filter with a hot melt adhesive applied to the entiremating surfaces of end caps 114 and 115 including but not limited to thedowel portions thereof such as dowel 130A on right end cap 130. Oncefilter 113 is affixed to end caps of filter 114, 115, the subassembly isinserted into the filter housing 101. End caps 114, 115 includeperipheral seal portions which seal annulus 301. See FIG. 3 for example.O-rings 375, 376 ensure that water entering annulus 301 flow throughfilter 113 and does not bypass the end caps 114, 115 and migrate intochamber 350. See, FIG. 3D. To ensure that the subassembly is properlyoriented, gate hinges 132, 132A must be aligned in relation to a mark160 on the filter housing as the subassembly is inserted into the filterhousing 101. Gate hinges 132, 132A are properly positioned when theiraxis is parallel to the earth or parallel to a tangent of the earth'ssurface.

Referring to FIG. 5F, the left side view (open end view) of the filterhousing 101 of the first embodiment of the water filtration device, theconcave right side wall 508 of the filter housing 101 is illustratedalong with molded ribs 515. In this the first embodiment the diameter ofthe filter housing 101 is approximately 1.6 inches and the length of thefilter housing as viewed, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 5A, isapproximately 4.2 inches. Other dimensions may be utilized in theconstruction of water filtration devices as taught herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. When the filtersubassembly is inserted into the filter housing the right end cap abutsribs 515.

Gate 118 is rotatably affixed to gate hinges 132, 132A by insertingprongs or knobs 133, 133A in the hinges. Knobs or prongs 133, 133A aresnap-fit into apertures in the hinges 132, 132A enabling rotation of thegate 118 when water pushes against it as it exits the filter. As will beexplained in more detail hereinafter, gate 118 swings (rotates) in aclockwise direction about its axis of rotation (see FIGS. 3B and 3C)upon the application of pressure caused by water flow through the filter113 and the longitudinal bore 129 therein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, gate 118 includes a magnet 117 which ispress fit into a recess 134 in the gate and hermetically sealed witheither hot melt adhesive or potting compound. FIG. 3 is across-sectional view 300 of the first embodiment of the water filtrationdevice taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2. Presence or absence ofmagnet 117 is sensed by reed switch (reed relay) 135. Housing end cap102 includes spacers 142 and 143. See FIG. 8A, a perspective view of theend cap to best view the spacer 142 which is not well illustrated in theexploded assembly view of FIG. 1. Spacers 142, 143 assist in correctlyspacing the housing end cap 102 with respect to the left end cap 114 ofthe filter. Once housing end cap 102 is inserted into the filter housing101, spacers 142, 143 ensure that the filter subassembly comprising thefilter 113, left end cap 114 and right end cap 115 does not migrateleftwardly (See FIG. 3) too far and remains in proximity to the moldribs 515 of the interior of the housing. Housing end cap 102 includes atapered portion 190 for insertion into the filter housing 101. A chamberis formed between the end cap 114 and the closed end 803A of the housingend cap 102. See, FIG. 3. Water is expelled from passageway 141 in theleft end cap 114 of the filter housing and exerts a force against gate118 causing it to rotate in a clockwise direction. As gate 118 rotatesin the clockwise direction the magnet 117 is urged toward the reedswitch 135 (reed relay) causing it to effectively close which starts theelectronic timer within electronic package 112 to continuously measurethe time when the magnet 117 is in proximity to the switch. Theelectronic package (electric circuit or integrated circuit) measures thecumulative time of flow through the filter and outputs signals to thelight emitting diode (LED) indicating filter performance. The LEDindicates three colors representative of cumulative filter usage one ofwhich indicates that the water filtration device should be discarded.The electric circuit outputs three discrete signals to the lightemitting diode.

The electronic package is secured in a dry well 170 which in turn issecured and closed by end plate 116. After the housing end cap 102 isinstalled it is welded to the filter housing 101. The end plate 116 isglued or ultrasonically welded to the housing end cap 102. That is, thehousing end cap 102 is welded to the filter housing and the end plate116 is welded or glued to the housing end cap 102. Reference numeral 139represents the raised portions of the end plate 116 which areultrasonically welded or glued to the housing end cap 102.

Referring to FIG. 3 again, reference numerals 302, 303, 130, 131 signifyperipheral edges or portions of the end caps 114, 115 of the filterwhich slidingly engage and seal against the interior walls of the filterhousing 101. Referring to FIG. 3D, elastomeric seal 375 acts as anadditional optional seal which resides between peripheral edge portions302 and 131 and elastomeric seal 376 acts as an additional optional sealwhich resides between peripheral edge portions 303 and 130.

Still referring to FIG. 1, aperture 137 permits light emitting diode 136which stems from the electronic package 112 to pass therethrough. Asmall amount of potting compound may be used around the light emittingdiode to seal any space between the diode and the aperture 137 when thelight emitting diode is installed in place. The electronic package 112and the substrate upon which the electronics are mounted are housed in adry space in the housing end cap 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the filter housing 101 including its inlet125, filtered outlet 107A, and filtered outlet 180 are illustrated.Filtered outlet 107A always expels filtered water whenever water entersthe filter housing inlet 125. See, FIG. 4H. Inlet 125 is generallycylindrically shaped and includes a recess 126 for receiving an O-ringseal 502 and a passageway 505 for conducting unfiltered water to theinterior of the filter housing so that it can be filtered by filter 113.Filter 113 is a carbon block filter and it is necessary that the waterto be filtered have a certain residence time in contact with the filterso that impurities therein can be removed.

The preferred materials of the front housing 103, filter housing 101 andhousing end cap 102 are ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plasticalthough other plastics may be used. The preferred adhesive to be usedfor securing the end caps 114, 115 to the filter is a hot melt adhesive.The gate material is HDPE (high density polyethylene). End caps 114, 115are also HDPE and the material used for sealing. Lever 122 is preferablyan acetyl material.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view 500 of the filter housing 101 of thefirst embodiment of the water filtration device, i.e., a bathroomfilter. FIG. 5 illustrates an inlet surface 504 adapted to receive acorresponding mating surface 190 from the housing end cap 102. See, FIG.1 to identify the corresponding mating surface 190 on the housing endcap 102.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the filter housing 101 includes a recessedregion 501 for receiving the front housing 103 as best seen in FIGS. 1,2 and 4G. Engagement pins 127, 128 assist in positioning the fronthousing 103 with respect to the recessed region 501 for ultrasonicwelding thereto. It is the ultrasonic welding of the front housing 103to the filter housing which secures the parts together and makes theminto an integral unit.

Pins 127, 128 fit snugly into corresponding receptacles 420, 419 in thefront housing. Referring to FIG. 4D, a rear perspective view 400D of thefront housing of the first embodiment (bathroom filter) is illustratedalong with the receptacles 420, 419. Reference numerals 415, 417 and 418indicate mold cavities which are formed as a part of the molding processof the front housing 103. Joint 421 is welded to the filter housing 101.Further, referring to FIGS. 4G and 5, O-ring seal 502 which resides inrecess 126 mates with cylindrical recess 410 in the front housing 103 asillustrated in FIG. 4D to prevent leakage of water as it is beingdirected into the filter housing as will be explained hereinbelow.

FIG. 5A is a front view 500A of the filter housing 101 of the firstembodiment of the water filtration device. The right end 508 is closedand is convexly shaped when viewed from the outside of the filterhousing. Viewing the interior of the right end 508 as in FIG. 5F, it isshaped concavely. During assembly of the device, the water filter 113with end caps attached thereto is inserted from the left side, the openside, of the filter housing 101.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view 500B of the filter housing taken alongthe lines 5B-5B of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B provides a good illustration ofrecess 126 in inlet 125 and of pin 128. Outlets 180 and 107A are alsoillustrated in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view 500C of the filter housing taken alongthe lines 5C-5C of FIG. 5A. Outlet port 180 is illustrated incross-section as having two diametrical sections 503 and 506. Likewise,outlet port 107A is illustrated as having two diametrical sections 519and 507.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view 500D of the filter housing taken alongthe lines 5D-5D of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5D illustrates the recessed region 501in filter housing 101. Also illustrated in FIG. 5D is the inlet 125having passageway 505 therein.

FIG. 5E is a bottom view 500E of the filter housing of the firstembodiment of the water filtration device illustrating diametricalportions 507, 519 of outlet 107A. FIG. 5E illustrates that outlet 107Aresides generally forwardly in the filter housing. Outlet 107A includesspout 107 which is affixed through an ultrasonic weld or by gluing sameto the filter housing 101. See, FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view 200 of a first embodiment of the waterfiltration device. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 4E, collar lock 105is inserted within collar 104 and is welded to surface 401 of fronthousing 103. FIG. 4 is an enlargement 400 of the front housing of thefirst embodiment of the water filtration device. FIG. 4E is across-sectional view 400E of the collar 104, collar lock 105 and screen110. Screen 110 includes an elastomeric generally circular periphery anda convexly shaped screen portion 110A. Collar 104 may rotate withrespect to collar lock 105 in the connection and disconnection processwith a faucet. The faucet (not shown) seals on the elastomeric portionof the screen 110. Screen 110 assists in removing large particulatematter.

Referring still to FIG. 2, front housing 103 is illustrated in itsassembled condition welded to the filter housing 101. Valve and valvehandle 108 are illustrated in the first or bypass position. FIG. 4G is across-sectional view 400G taken along the lines 4G-4G of FIG. 2 with theflow diverter valve 108 inserted in the front housing in a firstposition, bypass position. Flow arrow 470 indicates the path flow willtake through the front housing when the water bypasses the filter. FIG.4H is a cross-sectional view 400H taken along the lines 4H-4H of FIG. 2Awith the flow diverter valve 108 inserted in the front housing in asecond position which directs flow into the filter. Flow arrow 471indicates the path of flow through the front housing when the divertervalve 108 is rotated counterclockwise when viewing FIG. 4H to a secondposition. Referring to FIG. 2A, valve and valve handle 108 are pulledforward to the second position when it is desired to filter the water.

Referring again to FIGS. 4G and H, elastomeric seal 450 is illustratedas sealing passageways 603 and 610 in valve 108. Passageway 610 isformed by wall 611 and passageway 603 is formed by wall 605 which ishorn shaped. See, FIG. 6, a perspective view 600 of the valve and itshandle 108 which are used in both the first embodiment and the secondembodiment of the water filtration device. The handle portion of thevalve includes an insert 109 which may glued to a corresponding recess109A in the handle. See, FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view 400A taken along the lines 4A-4A ofFIG. 4 illustrating the generally cylindrical wall 401 to which thecollar lock 105 is welded. FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view 400Eillustrating the collar lock 105 secured to the wall 401 with the collar104 being rotatable and movable slightly vertically for engagement witha faucet. Screen 110 is also illustrated in FIG. 4A.

Referring again to FIG. 4A, valve 108 is not shown therein so as to viewthe valve stop 407 which controls the rotation of the valve between itsfirst (bypass position) and its second (filter) position. Valve cavity430 is tapered as it extends inwardly as indicated by circular lines 412and 431. See, FIGS. 4A and 4B. Ports 403 and 408 join to form a waterinlet to the valve cavity 430. Water outlet 409 conveys water to befiltered when the front housing is nonremovably affixed to the filterhousing 101 and the valve 108 is in its second position. FIG. 4B is across-sectional view 400B taken along the lines 4B-4B of FIG. 4 and alsoillustrates the taper of valve cavity 430.

Referring again to FIGS. 4A and 4B, recess 416 is illustrated forreceiving a seal 640 on the valve 108 illustrated in FIG. 6. Bypass portor passageway 414 is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Stop 407 is alsoillustrated in FIG. 4B as is recess 410 for receiving inlet 125 of thefilter housing 101. Referring to FIG. 4A mold aperture 415 from themolding process is illustrated in cross section. FIG. 4C is a top view400C of the front housing 103 of the first embodiment and alsoillustrates the ports 403 and 408.

FIG. 4 is an enlargement 400 of the front housing 103 of the firstembodiment of the water filtration device illustrating wall 401 to whichthe collar lock 105 is welded. Ports 403, 408 in floor 404 are shown inthe top of the housing as are mold openings 402. Recess 416 in valvecavity 431 is shown as is rim 406 which is welded to the filter housing101. Recess 416 receives seal 640 on valve 108 so as to prevent leakageabout valve 108.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 4A, bottom portion 103A of the fronthousing is illustrated along with bore 422 having stepped portions 429and 413. Bore 422 receives aerator assembly 111/111A and spout 106secures the aerator assembly in place as it is welded to the bottomportion 103A of the housing 103. See, FIG. 4F, a cross-sectional view400F of the aerator assembly 111/111A mounted into the front housing.

Referring to FIGS. 3-3D, reference numerals 302, 303, 131, and 130indicate sliding engagement of the filter end caps 114, 115 with thefilter housing 101. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3, second outlet 180in the filter housing 101 is disclosed. Alignment mark 160 is alsoillustrated well in FIG. 1 and it is this mark which is used duringassembly to ensure that the left filter end cap 114 and hinges 132/132Aare positioned such that the axis of the hinges are parallel to theearth enabling gate 118 to swing freely upon the application of pressurethereto and not to bind. Plunger 120 having a passageway 120A thereinfits somewhat snugly within second outlet 180 and is slidingly movabletherein. Lever 122 resides in engagement with the plunger 120 such thatthe plunger 120 and lever 122 move together. Referring to FIG. 2, lever122 is hinged and pivotal on prongs or protrusions 138 of the housingend cap 102. Like lever 108, lever 122 has a decorative insert 123 whichresides in a corresponding recess. Fountain head 119 resides in andthrough passageway 122A in lever 122. Fountain 119 includes a passageway119A in communication with passageway 120A in plunger 120. Passageway120A is exposed to fluid under pressure in chamber 350 when the plungeris depressed by lever 122.

Plunger 120 includes a shoe portion 1104. FIG. 11 is a perspective view1100 of the plunger 120 used in conjunction with the lever 122 andelastomeric ball valve 121. Plunger 120 includes a cylindrical portion1103 and a shaft 1105 with a shoe 1104 on the end thereof. A flatextending portion 1101 of the plunger resides against a correspondingsurface of the lever 122. A taper 1102 leads to passageway 120A.

FIG. 11 A is a another perspective view 1100A of the bottom side of theplunger 120 used in conjunction with the lever 122 and elastomeric ballvalve 121. Contoured side edge portion 1150 of plunger 120 engages lever122. Passageway 120A and bottom side 1106 of the flat extending portion1101 are best viewed in FIG. 11A. Spring 124 is operable between thebottom side 1106 of plunger and a lip 570 of the filter housing. SeeFIG. 3, a cross-sectional view 300 of the first embodiment of the waterfiltration device taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, thefilter is not operating meaning that the diverter valve 108 is in thebypass (first) position.

FIG. 11B is a top view 1100B of the plunger 120 illustrating thepassageway 120A. FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view 1100C of the plunger120 taken along the lines 11C-11C of FIG. 11B. FIG. 11D is across-sectional view 1100D taken along the lines 11D-11D of FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12 is a front view 1200 of the ball valve 121. FIG. 12A is a crosssectional view 1200A taken along the lines 12A-12A of FIG. 12. Shoe 1104is covered by elastomeric valve 121 which includes a cavity which issubstantially reciprocally shaped to the shape of the shoe. Elastomericvalve of boot 121 includes a surface 1202 which engages the interior ofthe filter housing around passageway 506. See, FIGS. 5C and 3.

FIG. 3A is an enlargement 300A of a portion of FIG. 3 illustrating thevalve 121 engaged with the inner wall of housing 101. Spring 124 isoperable between filter housing 101 and plunger 120 and urges theplunger and the lever upwardly when viewing FIGS. 3 and 3A.

Still referring to FIG. 3, an annular space 301 between the filter 113and the filter housing 101 is illustrated. Water occupies this annularspace 301 during operation of the filter. Water resides in this annulusand flows through filter 113 into passageway 129 and out port 141impinging upon gate 118 rotating it clockwise. When the water filtrationdevice of the first embodiment is operable, water will be expelled fromboth outlets 107A and 180 if lever 122 is depressed. If the lever is notdepressed then elastomeric valve 121 is seated against the curved innersurface of the filter housing 101 and water will be expelled just fromthe outlet 107A. Valve 121 is preferably elastomeric but may be made ofother materials such as metal. Similarly, the filter housing may be madeof metal if desired and the valve can be made of metal as well. FIG. 3illustrates spacer 142 extending from the closed end 803A of housing endcap 102 near the filter left end cap 114. FIG. 8 is a side view 800 ofhousing end cap 102. Closed end 803 is a wall or boundary between thewetted chamber 350 and the electronic package 112 and sensor 135. Guideribs 801, 802 and 810 enable placement of the generally-rectangularlyshaped electronic package within the drywell 811 of the housing end cap102. End plate 116 fits over the opening 811 of the end cap and iseither welded or glued 139 to the end cap for hermetic sealing thereof.During assembly the light emitting diode 136 is carefully placed withinthe aperture 137 first followed by the electronic package 112 which isplaced within opening 811. FIG. 8A is a perspective view 800A of theother side, i.e., the wetted side, of the end cap illustrated in FIG. 8.Sloped surface 190 which is welded to filter housing 101 is illustratedin FIG. 8A.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view 300B of the first embodiment of thewater filtration device with the fountain lever 122 depressed and valve121 off its seat. It will be noticed that plunger 120 bends slightlywhen lever 122 is depressed. This bending tends to seal the passagewaydenoted by reference numeral 506. Gate 118 is shown rotated clockwisedue to water flow out of passageway 141. In this position, gate 118 andmagnet 117 are in proximity to reed switch 135. FIG. 3C is anenlargement 300C of a portion of FIG. 3B and illustrates the flow path391 of water past valve 121, through passageway 120A of plunger 120 andthrough passageway 199A of fountain 119. It will be noticed in FIGS. 3,3A, 3B and 3C that outlet 107A is not shown therein as it is locatedfore (ahead) with respect to the cross-section of these drawing figures.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view 600 of the valve 108 and its handle whichare used in both the first embodiment and the second embodiment of thewater filtration device. FIG. 6 illustrates the underside (the side thatis not exposed) when viewing FIG. 2. Reference numeral 612 illustrates acavity from the molding process. Reference numeral 609 indicates thehandle portion of the valve 108 and reference numeral 608 indicates theother or second end of the valve 108. Ridges 602 engage stop 407 tolimit the rotation of the valve between its first bypass position andits second filter position. A horn shaped passageway 603 is formed bywall 605. Wall 606 creates an annulus 604 in which a seal (not shown inFIG. 6) is positioned. A seal 450 is positioned in annulus 604 asindicated in FIGS. 4G and 4H. A groove 607 resides in the valve 108 forreceiving a seal (not shown in FIG. 6) which prevents leakage of waterfrom the valve 108 when it inserted in the front housing 103. FIG. 6A isa perspective view 600A of the exposed side of the valve and its handle108 as viewed in FIG. 2. FIG. 6A illustrates seal 640 in groove 607 forsealing the valve 108 which is snap fit in the front housing.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view 700 of the electronic package 112, battery701, sensor 135, leads 702, 703 and light emitting diode 136 used in thefirst and second embodiments of the water filtration device. In thepreferred embodiment sensor 135 is a reed switch also known as a reedrelay. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize thatdifferent sensors based on capacitance principles, piezoelectricprinciples, or induction principles may be employed with somemodifications. FIG. 7A is a side view 700A of the electronic packageillustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view 900 of gate 118 of the first embodiment. Recess134 receives magnet 117 which actuates reed switch 135 when in proximitytherewith. Prongs or knobs 134 interengage corresponding hinges 134 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view 900taken along the lines 9A-9A of FIG. 9. FIG. 9A illustrates the contourof the gate 118 which includes front 903 and rear 902 surfaces. Slopingsurface 904 diverges to body 905 having recess 134 in which magnet 117is housed. Locks 901 secure magnet 117 in place. The magnet is installedby simply pushing on the magnet to orient it past the locks 901 whichare plastic and somewhat malleable enabling insertion of the magnet intothe plastic. The magnet is then hermetically sealed with pottingcompound.

FIG. 10 is a front view 1000 of the left end cap 114 of the filter 113.Hinges 132/132A are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 10A. FIG. 10A iscross-sectional view 1000A of the left end cap of the filter taken alongthe lines 10A-10A of FIG. 10 illustrating the hinges 132/132A,passageway 141, dowel 1001, and protrusions 1002 and 1003 whichslidingly seal with respect to the filter housing. Peripheral endportion such as the one denoted by reference numeral 131 are relativelysoft and seal against the interior of the filter housing.

FIG. 13 is a top view 1300 of the lever 122 used to operate the plunger120 of the first embodiment. Reference numeral 1301 indicates a recessin which insert 123 is secured by adhesive. Apertures or hinges 140/140Aengage prongs or protrusions 138 for pivoting as previously described.FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the lever 122 taken along thelines 13A-13A of FIG. 13 also illustrates the aperture 140A. Cavities1302 and 1303 are illustrated in FIG. 13A. Cavity 1303 fits over flatportion 1101 of plunger 120. See, FIG. 11.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view 1300B which illustrates the underside ofthe lever 122 of FIG. 13. Cavity 1303 and wall 1304 of cavity 1303 areillustrated. Flat portion 1101 of plunger 120 fits into cavity 1303.

FIG. 14 is a front view 1400 of the fountain head 119 illustratingflanges 1401 and 1402. FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view 1400A takenalong the lines 14A-14A of the fountain head 119 of FIG. 14. Flange 1402is snap-fit into place in lever 122 as is best seen in FIG. 3. Fountainhead 119 is made of plastic. Spring 124 is illustrated in FIG. 1 asoperable between seat 570 and surface 1106. See, FIGS. 3, 5C and 11C.FIG. 3 illustrates valve 121 seated against seat 330.

FIGS. 1-14 are directed toward the first embodiment of the invention.Some of the uses of the first embodiment of the invention are inbathrooms, hotel and motel rooms. The device disclosed is small andconvenient for storage on vacations and business trips. FIGS. 15-20 aredirected toward the second embodiment of the invention. Use of thesecond embodiment include kitchen and bar uses. Both embodiments aredesigned such that the filter sits rearwardly with respect to the faucetso that access to the faucet and the filter is permitted.

The reference numerals used in FIG. 15 correspond generally to thereference numerals used in FIG. 1 such that for example referencenumerals 101 and 1501 both indicate filter housings.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view 1500 of a second embodiment ofthe invention. Filter housing 1501 may have, for example, a diameter of2.40 inches and a length of approximately 3.90 inches. One of theprincipal differences in the kitchen filter of the second embodiment isthat it has only one filtered outlet 1507A whereas the bathroom unit hastwo filtered outlets 107A and 180. Filters 1513 and 113 may bepre-wrapped 495 using a hot seal method. See, FIGS. 4G and 4H. Adhesiveis applied to the filter end caps 1514, 1515, then attached to thefilter after which the subassembly is inserted into the filter housing.Peripheral seal portions of end caps 1514, 1515 seal the filter.Optionally, O-rings 375, 376 may be used to seal the filter so as toprevent unfiltered water from entering chamber 1750. See, FIG. 17. As inthe case of the bathroom filter, the aerator assembly 1511 and spout1506 are affixed in the front housing 1503 as previously illustrated. Asalso in the case of the bathroom filter, the collar lock 1505 is weldedto the front housing 1503 and collar 1504 is permitted to rotate withrespect to the collar lock. The screen assembly is inserted into theassembly atop the collar lock. Gate 1518 is slightly dimensionallydifferent than the gate 118 previously described but it functions in thesame way as gate 118. Spacers 1542 and 1543 extend from end cap 1502 andserve to ensure that gate 1518 remains in alignment.

Electronic package 112 is the same package used in the first embodiment.Reed switch 135 (or reed relay as it sometimes known) senses theproximity of magnet 1517 and the electronic package measures the totaltime of flow. Instead of a reed switch which is a magnetically coupleddevice, a capacitance based device or a pressure-sensitive device may beused instead. The pressure sensitive device would have to mounted in theclosed end of the housing end cap 1502.

Valve 108 illustrated in FIG. 15 is the same valve used in the bathroomfilter of the first embodiment. Spacers 1542, 1543 of the housing endcap 1502 assist in ensuring that the filter subassembly is in place.Referring to FIG. 17, a gap (unnumbered) exists between the spacer 1543and the end cap 1514 of the filter. Spacer limits the movement of thefilter subassembly such that it cannot move leftwardly too far beforeengaging the spacers. End plate 1516 is glued or welded to the housingend cap 102. Housing end cap 102 is glued or welded to the filterhousing 1501.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view 1600 of the second embodiment of the waterfiltration device. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view 1700 of the secondembodiment of the water filtration device taken along the lines 17-17 ofFIG. 16. FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view 1700A of the secondembodiment of the water filtration device similar to FIG. 17 except thegate 1518 is shown rotated clockwise in the flow condition. Annulus 1701is illustrated in FIG. 17A. Water resides in this annulus and flow thrufilter 1513 into passageway 1529 and out port 1541 impinging upon gate1518 rotating it clockwise.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 17, filter end caps 1514 and 1515 haveperipheral end portions (i.e., 1531 and 1530) which are seals which sealagainst the interior diameter of the filter housing 1501. Although notshown in FIG. 17, optional elastomeric O-ring seals similar to 375, 376may be used between the peripheral end seals as illustrated in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view 1800 of the front housing of the secondembodiment. FIG. 18 employs reference numerals like FIG. 4. FIG. 18A isa cross-sectional view taken along the lines 18A-18A of FIG. 18.Reference numeral 1801 indicates the wall to which the collar lock 1505is welded and reference numeral 1804 indicates the floor upon which thecollar lock 1804 sits at the time it is welded. Mold recesses 1802 arefrom the molding process. Groove or recess 1816 receives the seal fromthe valve 108. Cavity 1831 receives the valve 108. Referring to FIG.18A, stop 1807A is illustrated which engages ridges 602 on valve 108.Stop 1807A is also illustrated in FIG. 18B, a cross-sectional view takenalong the lines 18B-18B of FIG. 18. Tapered bore 1812 is illustrated bythe circular lines in FIG. 18A.

Bore 1822 includes stepped portions 1813 and 1829. Inlet 1808 is shownleading to valve cavity 1831. Outlet 1814 and outlet 1809 are also shownin FIG. 18A. When valve 108 is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 18Einlet 1808 is connected to outlet 1814 and the water passes throughfront housing 1503 and is expelled unfiltered. Flow arrow 1870 depictsthe path of flow through front housing 1503. When the valve 108 ispositioned as illustrated in FIG. 18F inlet 1808 is connected to outlet1809 where it is directed into the filter by inlet 1525 of the filterhousing 1501. See, FIG. 16A a perspective view of a second embodiment ofthe water filtration device with the valve handle pulled forward. Flowarrow 1871 depicts the path of flow through front housing 1503 and intoinlet 1525 of the filter housing.

Referring to FIG. 18B, valve cavity 1831 is illustrated as is stop 1807Aand the cross-sectional portion 1807 of the stop. Unfiltered outlet 1814is also depicted. FIG. 18C is a top view 1800C of the front housing 1503of the second embodiment. FIG. 18D is a rear perspective view 1800D ofthe front housing of the second embodiment of the water filtrationdevice. FIG. 18D illustrates receptacles 1819 and 1820 of the fronthousing which engage pins 1528 and 1527 respectively. Mold recesses fromthe molding process are indicated by reference numerals 1817, 1818,1823, 1824 and 1825. Joint 1821 is welded to the filter housing.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view 1900 of the filter housing of thesecond embodiment of the water filtration device. Surface 1904 engagesthe corresponding surface on the housing end cap 1502. Recess 1901engages the perimeter of the front housing. FIG. 19A is a bottom view1900A of the of the filter housing 1501 of the second embodiment of thewater filtration device. FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view 1900B takenalong the lines 19B-19B of FIG. 19A illustrating port 1907 from whichfiltered water is expelled.

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view 1900C taken along the lines 19C-19Cof FIG. 19C illustrating passageway 1905 in inlet 1525 of the filterhousing 1501. FIG. 19D is a left side view 1900D, the open end view, ofthe filter housing 1501 of the second embodiment of the water filtrationdevice illustrating mold prongs in the end housing. These prongs or ribs1906 restrict the insertion depth of the filter sub assembly.

FIG. 20 is a front side view 2000 of the end cap of the housing 1502 ofthe second embodiment of the water filtration device. Surface 2007 ofthe housing end cap engages surface 1904 of the filter housing and iswelded or glued thereto. FIG. 20A is a right side view 2000A of the endcap of FIG. 20 illustrating the closed end 2003. FIG. 20B is aperspective view 2000B of the end cap of FIG. 20 illustrating the closedend and spacers 1543, 1542. FIG. 20C is a view 2000C of the left side ofthe end cap of FIG. 20 illustrating supports 2001, 2002 and 2010 whichrestrict the movement of the electronic package in place. FIG. 20D isanother perspective view 2000D of the end cap illustrating the housing2011 in which the electronic package resides.

To assemble the water filtration devices, insert the aerator into thethrough spout and then insert the through spout and ultrasonically weldthe aerator/spout assembly to the front housing. Place the threadedcollar into the seat on top of the front housing and press the lockcollar through the threaded collar and seat the lock collar into thehousing. Clamp and ultrasonically weld the lock collar to the fronthousing.

Insert the filtered spout into the filter housing and clamp and weld itto the filter housing. Insert the front housing into position withrespect to the filter housing and then clamp and ultrasonically weld itto the filter housing.

A prefilter may be wrapped around the filter and sealed using the hotseal method. Next, the left and right end caps with adhesive applied tothe contact surfaces thereof are inserted in the filter. Uniformpressure is applied to the left and right filter end caps 114, 115,1514, 1515 to spread the adhesive and allow it to set. Approximate timefor applying pressure is 2-5 seconds. The magnet is installed into thegate under the pressure of a person's finger or a tool such as pliers orthe equivalent then hermetically sealed in place.

Next, the gate 118, 1518 is snapped into the hinges with the magnetfacing outwardly. Indicia on the left end cap of the filter subassemblyis aligned with a mark or other indicia on the filter housing and thefilter subassembly is inserted into the filter housing. Indicia on thehousing end cap 102, 1502 is aligned with indicia on the filter housingand inserted therein. Once the housing end cap is in place it is clampedand ultrasonically welded to the filter housing non-removably retainingthe filter within the filter housing.

The lever is installed by snapping it into place in the valve cavity. Toinstall the end of life electronic package, the light emitting diode isinserted into and through the aperture 137. Optionally, adhesive may beused when installing the diode in the aperture 137 to secure it intoposition and to ensure that the diode is hermetically sealed. Theelectronic package is installed into the reservoir in the open end ofthe housing end cap with the glass reed switch facing inwardly. Endplate 116, 1516 is next snap-fit into place to hermetically seal theelectronic package. Optionally, adhesive may be used around theperimeter of the end plate to ensure a hermetic seal. Or, the end platesmay be welded to the housing end caps.

The materials which are ultrasonically welded should be amenable towelding such as ABS or other plastics.

The invention has been described herein by way of example only. Thoseskilled in the art will readily recognize that changes and modificationsmay be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scopeof the appended claims which follow hereinbelow.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A single use water filtration device comprising afilter subassembly residing in a filter housing; said filter subassemblycomprising a filter and end caps affixed to said filter, said end capsof said filter each comprise peripheral seal portions for sealing saidfilter subassembly ensuring that water flows into and through saidfilter.
 15. A single use water filtration device as claimed in claim 14wherein each of said peripheral seal portions include soft plasticengaging said filter housing.
 16. A single use water filtration deviceas claimed in claim 14 wherein each of said peripheral seal portionscomprise two radially extending walls in engagement with said filterhousing and an elastomeric O-ring seal extending between said walls andextending around the circumference of said peripheral seal portions ofsaid end caps. 17-63. (canceled)